12. Mount Rose at the OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

The view of Lake Cushman 3,500 ft directly below is stunning

HikE Details:

  • Highlights: Beautiful views of Lake Cushman, blooming wildflowers

  • Distance: 6.7 miles round trip in a loop; Elevation Gain: 3500 feet;Difficulty: Challenging

  • Permits: Not required; Hiking Season: June to October; Kid-Friendly: No; Dog-Friendly: Yes

  • Notes: Follow wilderness regulations; Amenities: None; GPS Waypoint: N47 29.731 W123 16.051

  • Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District in Quilcene

  • Maps: Green Trails Olympic Mountains East 168S

  • Trailhead Directions: From Shelton, drive north on US 101 for 15 miles to Hoodsport. Turn left onto SR 119, go 9.3 miles to a T-intersection. Turn left and continue 2.7 miles (road becomes FR 24) to the trailhead on your right.

The trail starts off easy on an old road, crossing a flowing creek. Then it gets steep quickly with sharp turns, climbing nonstop through switchbacks. Pass by salal and young trees, with some big ancient firs still standing from past fires.

After climbing for 1000 feet over 1.2 miles, reach a bench offering a partial view of Lake Cushman. The trail then becomes steeper as it enters Mount Skokomish Wilderness. At 1.9 miles, find a junction with a plaque honoring the trail builders. Choose the shorter, steeper path to the summit on the left, reserving the longer, gentler path for the way down. The summit trail climbs 1,300 feet in just over a mile, passing through areas affected by a 2006 wildfire and remaining patches of old trees. At 3.1 miles, reach the forested summit at 4301 feet. Look for a small rock outcrop for a great panoramic view.

Below Lake Cushman, see Lightning Peak, Timber Mountain, Skokomish River delta, Black Hills, Willapa Hills, and Mount Rainier. Hike the summit loop through dense forest, past close silver firs. Return to main trail after 1.7 miles. Descend back to trailhead.